INTERVIEW

This Morning Call - "As anybody who has ever made a long player will tell you, it is a very difficult process ..."

This Morning Call-As anybody who has ever made a long player will tell you, it is a very difficult process ...

We're talking a few months after the release of your new album entitled "Organs of the State". I wonder how would you describe this CD? How long have you worked on the creation of this album?

I’d describe the CD as a collection of musical styles and experiments that in one way or another thematically link the idea of human biology with differing emotional experiences, and also commenting in a broader sense to the idea of the body politic, and how individuals contribute to the national mood or zeitgeist. It took about two years to complete the record.

"Organs of the State" is an interesting combination of different sounds and melodies that form a coherent whole. It is a mature and thoughtful album that captivates with its charm. Tell me, what was your idea for the recording of this CD? What are your expectations for its release?

Thank you for your kind words. I guess following the debut record in 2010, one of the main aspirations was trying to write good music in different styles and with different approaches. That is way some of the tracks are purely instrumental, and others acoustic, while others have been produced entirely with electronics. I wanted to maintain the overall chillout feel overall, which is what “This Morning Call” has always been about, but there are many different ways to approach chilled music. I hope we can find an audience and that listeners enjoy what I have come up with.

This Morning Call is definitely more than a single project. You are also working with many great musicians. I have a feeling that thanks to them your music takes on a new importance, it becomes a multi-dimensional. I wonder how would you describe your music? The style in which you create your recordings? Well, I don’t think you can be easily qualify for one particular genre of music...

No, it’s not easy to quantify as there are so many different styles represented on the album, from ambient to folk, to dance and techno, to ballads. But I always write the music and the lyrics at the same time on the guitar or piano, and then if it feels necessary to bring in other musicians to contribute then I’m definitely up for that. I have become better at giving other people the space to contribute over the years, it is a real skill getting the best out of other people in the context of a creative project. I have also been lucky to work with various others on their own projects, including trance producer Thomas Datt, for whom I wrote a song called Here and Now for his recent album “Picking up the pieces”, and most recently have done some remixing for ex-inspiral carpets frontman Tom Hingley, for his new solo album.

I’m curious how do you recall the beginnings of your musical career? The times when you started your adventure with this music business? Do you still remember your first recordings?

My first recordings were terrible and best forgotten! I remember sending out CD demos to record labels at age 16 and getting absolutely nowhere. Thankfully I am older and wiser now, and understand the music business much better.

I get the impression that music is just one of your many interests. Over the years you have worked in a number of healthcare organizations and charities. Tell me, what music means to you? I mean, what is its role in your daily life?

Music is a constant soundtrack to my life, like it is for many people, and probably most people reading this interview too. But you are right, it’s not the only thing that I do, and if people are interested in some of the healthcare work that I’m involved in, there is a You Tube video that explains all.

I remember listening your interview for the BBC back in the days. It was in 2010
I guess. You have released your first album under the name This Morning Call. It was called "All Quiet At 4AM". Well, you were very proud of your debut CD. You were also looking hopefully to the future. Now it's been three years since then. I wonder how do you look at yourself and your career from the perspective of these past years?

I was very proud of the debut CD, yes! I have no idea what I was talking about in that interview, they tend to go by in a flash! Good to hear I was sounding optimistic. I think, with hindsight, I’m very happy with the musical journey I’ve been on and I think I’ve delivered some really good records. On the other hand, it has simply got harder and harder to make things work commercially and the reality is that all artists at my level will have to have some sort of alternative income, which means you are always busy and your time is always compromised.

Is the moment of the release of "All Quiet At 4AM" was a breakthrough event in your life?

Yes, I was just so relieved to have been able to produce a full album that I really liked. As anybody who has ever made a long player will tell you, it is a very difficult process especially when you have to do most of it yourself. If we could have afforded expensive studios, producers and engineers life would have been easier, but perhaps not as fulfilling in the long run.

I had the pleasure to talk with Hakan Ludvigson the CEO of Substream Music Group. When I asked him about his beginnings, the times when he started his career, he told me: "Today, as much as 15 years ago, I still get the same feeling when starting a new song". And how is it in your case? Is making music still makes you happy, gives you satisfaction?

At the moment I am not writing any new music, I am taking a short break. And I think that is very healthy, you cannot be on it 100% all the time, and sometimes it’s a question of waiting to be inspired by someone elses work. Recently, my ipod has broken so I have not been able to listen to music on the bus. I usually get my inspiration from listening to other artists while on the bus. I guess I should really get a new machine sorted out. But you never really loose the bug for making music, its too exciting to hear an idea fully realized through great speakers for the first time.

What are your plans for the coming months? What are you currently working on?

I’m resting and watching telly. Lol!! After xmas I’ll be on it again.

At the end, please tell me, if you could start your career again, what would you do differently? Is there anything you would like to improve?

I would like to have played more gigs and tried harder with a booking agent or similar. Or perhaps enrolled at LIPA (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts) and done a songwriting or production course. I think that might have been very useful. But aside from that, I’m pretty happy with the way things have gone. If I’m still enjoying it, I must be doing something right.

Thank you for your time. I am very grateful to you that you agreed to do this interview. It was a real pleasure for me. I wish you good health and many further successes. Take care.

Thanks!!

Journalist: Kamil Mroziński

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